How it works
Bring the IRS tax audit letter in to an H&R Block office near you along with the tax return in question, and a qualified H&R Block tax professional will help you through the audit process to resolve the issue. We can handle everything from simply submitting missing tax documents to representing you in front of an IRS examiner. Let us do the work for you.
IRS Tax Audit Assistance
We're here to help you understand the position taken by a taxing authority through an IRS or other tax authority request and assist you in preparing an audit response.
If your tax return was completed by an H&R Block tax professional, Audit Assistance is a complimentary part of the H&R Block Guarantee.
We can also help you if you did not have your tax return completed by H&R Block. Please call your local office for a current fee schedule.
We'll help with your IRS tax audit by:
Reviewing the tax authority notice or inquiry and explain what it means
Researching issues involved
Assisting you in assembling documents and records for the tax audit
Reviewing the tax audit findings and explaining them to you
Explaining the appeal process and other options available to you in the event you disagree with the tax authority's findings
Tax Audit Representation
Tax Audit Representation takes IRS tax audit help to the next level, where we provide one of our highly trained Enrolled Agents to represent and communicate with the taxing authority on your behalf in an audit proceeding. Enrolled Agents are tax professionals who have demonstrated special competence in tax matters and can represent taxpayers before the IRS (qualified through the procedure outlined in Circular 230).
This service is free for office clients who selected the Peace of Mind® Extended Service Plan Tax Audit Representation and for H&R Block At Home™ clients covered by Worry-free Audit Support®1.
IRS Tax Audit Representation is still available if you're not already covered by the Peace of Mind® Extended Service Plan or Worry-free Audit Support. Please call your local office for a current fee schedule.
IRS Tax Audit Representation includes all services from Audit Assistance, plus:
Communicating directly with the tax authority on your behalf
Answering questions for the taxing authority about the preparation of your tax return
Acting on and asserting arguments on your behalf
Challenging the tax authority's position, if necessary
Following up regarding any outstanding issues or further documentation that has been requested
Researching any issues that may come up during the IRS tax audit
Meeting again with the tax authority to resolve any further issues
Negotiating and settling claims with the tax authority
Assisting with the appeals process
A Letter of Engagement is required for all Tax Audit Support. Tax Audit Support constitutes tax advice only. Consult your own attorney for legal advice. Additional fees and conditions apply. Power of Attorney required for Audit Representation Services. At participating offices.
Audit Facts
Who Gets Audited by the IRS?
In 2010, nearly 2 out of every 3 IRS audits affected individuals who reported incomes less than $50,000.*
The IRS is stepping up efforts to close an estimated $345 billion tax gap.**
Over 1.5 million individual returns were audited in 2010 (an 11% increase over returns audited in 2009).*
–That's 1 out of every 90 returns.*
EITC audits made up more than 31% of 2010 individual tax audits.
What Can Happen?
The IRS can audit you through the mail or in person.
Result:The IRS may claim you owe more taxes.
Liens:Holds against your property (including your home or car), wages, and/or bank accounts.
In 2010, the IRS filed over 1 million tax liens.*
In 2010, the IRS collected over $15 billion* from audits
*Source: IRS Data Book, 2010, available at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-soi/10databk.pdf **Source: IRS Oversight Board, Annual Report to Congress 2010, available at www.treasury.gov/irsob
Related Articles
This IRS tax audit primer covers what an audit is, important terms and more.
Guidance on what documents to keep, and how long to keep them.
1At participating offices.
*Source: IRS Data Book, 2010, available at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-soi/10databk.pdf **Source: IRS Oversight Board, Annual Report to Congress 2010, available at www.treasury.gov/irsob